SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Flagstaff, AZ

Cooks in Flagstaff, AZ, earn an average annual salary of $38,550, slightly surpassing the national average of $37,700. This localized pay differential is often influenced by the specific demands and operational costs within the Flagstaff culinary scene, reflecting a tailored compensation strategy for restaurant professionals in this vibrant Arizona city.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,180.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,350 Cooks, Flagstaff demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.17 indicates that this role is more than twice as prevalent in Flagstaff compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,550

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Flagstaff, AZ earns+2.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.5

Weekly

$741

Monthly

$3,213

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Flagstaff, AZ

The salary trajectory for Cooks in Flagstaff typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs and kitchen managers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within the local culinary industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,710$16.2
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,913$13.9
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,830$17.7
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$48,188$23.2
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,180$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,550

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,550 in Flagstaff aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Flagstaff is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

1,350

Total Jobs

20.445

Per 1K Jobs

2.17

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Flagstaff, AZ has 2.2x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Flagstaff's Location Quotient of 2.17 for Cooks signifies a highly concentrated job market, indicating that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than in the average U.S. city. This suggests a competitive environment for employers seeking talent, and potentially more abundant opportunities for job seekers within the local culinary field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,500↓ 0%57 mi

Comparing salaries near Flagstaff, AZ

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Flagstaff, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Flagstaff, AZ is $38,550. This typically ranges from $33,710 for entry-level positions to $45,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Flagstaff, AZ is 2.3% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Flagstaff, AZ a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Flagstaff offers competitive compensation for Cooks.Cooks in Flagstaff earn slightly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living matching the national average, their earnings provide comparable purchasing power.

Is Flagstaff, AZ a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Flagstaff, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Flagstaff, AZ?

Some top paying nearby cities include Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ ($38,500) and others.

How does Flagstaff's Cook salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Flagstaff, AZ is $38,550, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the concentration of Cooks in Flagstaff compared to the nation?

Flagstaff has a Location Quotient of 2.17 for Cooks, meaning the profession is more than twice as concentrated in Flagstaff as it is nationally.

How does the cost of living affect a Cook's salary in Flagstaff?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Flagstaff's cost of living is on par with the national average, making the local salary of $38,550 provide average purchasing power.

Are there many job opportunities for Cooks in Flagstaff?

The high concentration (LQ of 2.17) and substantial local workforce (1,350) suggest a strong and active job market for Cooks in Flagstaff.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,350 employees in the Flagstaff, AZ area with a job density of 20.445 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Flagstaff, AZ